The border blocks’ center squares and the large open spaces surrounding the center star beckoned quilt tester Laura Boehnke to showcase medium- to large-scale prints, like these Asian prints featuring cherry blossoms, koi, chrysanthemums, and dragonflies.

To complement the larger prints, Laura selected tone-on-tones that have accents of metallic gold. Fabrics are a mix of the Peking Kids, Yoshiko, and Gilded Greenery collections, all from Blank Quilting.

This easy table runner design will take you through the whole year. Quilt tester Laura Boehnke made a version perfect for late summer or autumn using Sue Zipkin’s Mulberry collection and Lydia Quigley’s Remember Me line, both for Clothworks.

“To keep the flow of color consistent in the zigzags on the table runner, I made sure to use more tone-on-tone fabrics for the diamonds and fewer multicolor or large prints,” Laura says. “Otherwise, the chevrons could be lost in the overall design.”

Stars and Geese
Quilt tester: Laura Boehnke
From American Patchwork and Quilting, April 2008

Using the Killean fabric collection from RJR Fabrics, quilt tester Laura Boehnke created a wall hanging that would feel right at home in a study or library.

By cutting some of the small setting squares from a plaid that’s actually printedon point, Laura avoided the challenge of cutting and sewing on the bias.

Assemble this smaller version of “English Rose” in sections like the original quilt. You’ll sew three diagonal rows of inner star blocks and setting pieces together with two diagonal rows of outer star blocks and setting pieces.

Four Star Wall Hanging
Quilt tester: Laura Boehnke
From American Patchwork and Quilting, April 2008

Using the City Girl collection for Benartex, quilt tester Laura Boehnke put a modern, laid-back spin on “Nantucket Stars.”

Instead of hand piecing, Laura machine-pieced her diamonds, carefully stitching from matching point to matching point.

“I really like how some of the larger prints from this fabric collection look when they’re cut up into the small diamond pieces,” Laura says. A field of mottled pale green in the setting squares and triangles offers a wonderful place for elaborate quilting.

Rickrack Squares
Quilt tester: Laura Boehnke
From American Patchwork and Quilting, April 2008

Dots are still hot! And there are plenty in quilt tester Laura Boehnke’s crib-size rendition of “Scrappy Squares,” using fabrics from Pop Parade by Metro and Panzy Pazazz by Janet Broxon, both from
P&B Textiles.

“I love to pair fun, contemporary fabrics with a traditional quilt pattern,” Laura says. “Strong contrast between the fabrics in each Square-in-a-Square block is the key to adding punch to the overall design.”
This 43"-square quilt is the perfect size for a toddler’s nap quilt or a great wall hanging.

African Inspired
Quilt tester: Laura Boehnke
From American Patchwork and Quilting, April 2008

Quilt tester Laura Boehnke stacked the deck for an altogether different “Two of a Kind.”

“The border print was my inspiration print to create this wall hanging,” Laura says. “Often, when I’m trying to decide on a color palette or mood for my quilts, I work from the outside in and begin by selecting a border fabric.

“The occasional bright square in the quilt center adds just the right splash of color overall.”
Fabrics are from Drums of Afrika by Sonie Ruffin, and Paint Box I and Paint Box II by Lonni Rossi, all from Andover Fabrics.